Advance Decisions
We are all aware of cases where the relatives of the sick have often had to go to court in order to get the level of care they require for their loved ones.
We are all aware of cases where the relatives of the sick have had to go to court in order to get the level of care they require for their loved ones. The expense and distress caused by this procedure is totally unnecessary as long as there is either an applicable power of attorney, or, in England or Wales, an Advance Decision.
An Advance Decision is a relatively straightforward document which can provide you with the opportunity to make a decision about your care in advance.
It will only become effective if you are unable to participate in decisions about your medical care, and two doctors are of the opinion that you are unlikely to recover from your condition.
An Advance Decision enables you to:
- Make choices about the level of medical treatment that you would want should you suffer from a life threatening illness or condition.
- Appoint somebody to take part in medical decisions on your behalf should you become unable to do so.
- Make statements to be considered by those delivering treatment about the treatment that you want, or don't want, to be given.
If you're considering making an Advance Decision, it's important to discuss the content with your General Practitioner and advise that the document should be reviewed regularly.
For more information on drafting an Advance Decision, please contact an IPW member near to you, just click here
IMPORTANT
It is important that anyone who made an Advance Decision before 2007 should take advice regarding its validity. For advice from an IPW member near to you, please click here.
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